Psychology: Character Strengths

May 6, 2017

In further exploring pyschology and its relationship with achievement, innovation and creativity, I have just completed the character strengths survey available online via the University of Pennsylvania.

The survey was developed by Martin Seligman, the ‘father of positive psychology’, Fox Leadership Professor of Psychology at the University of Pennsylvania, the director of the Positive Psychology Network, and former president of the American Psychological Association.

Scores on the VIA Survey of Character Strengths, which can be interpreted with the book Authentic Happiness. The ranking of the strengths reflects an individual’s overall ratings on the 24 strengths in the survey, how much of each strength is possessed. The top five are the ones to pay attention to and find ways to use more often.

Your Top Strength

Curiosity and interest in the world –

You are curious about everything. You are always asking questions, and you find all subjects and topics fascinating. You like exploration and discovery.

Your Second Strength

Creativity, ingenuity, and originality –

Thinking of new ways to do things is a crucial part of who you are. You are never content with doing something the conventional way if a better way is possible.

Strength #3

Love of learning –

You love learning new things, whether in a class or on your own. You have always loved school, reading, and museums-anywhere and everywhere there is an opportunity to learn.

Strength #4

Judgment, critical thinking, and open-mindedness –

Thinking things through and examining them from all sides are important aspects of who you are. You do not jump to conclusions, and you rely only on solid evidence to make your decisions. You are able to change your mind.

Strength #5

Hope, optimism, and future-mindedness –

You expect the best in the future, and you work to achieve it. You believe that the future is something that you can control.